My dad died quickly and suddenly. He was relatively young. We were unprepared. While my only consolation is that he left with little pain — so doctors tell us — the pain he’s left in us is colossal and eternal. I so wish he could experience the physical decline you mentioned before departing. At least that might have prepared him, and better prepared us. Still, he lives in my life each and every day until such time when I get to see him again.
A wonderful post. I’ve been enjoying your writing.

Thank you for sharing so openly your thoughts and feelings – you honour and humble me with your words. Yes, many of us have lost our loved ones – both my parents have moved on – and we look forward to the wonderful reunion.

Pardon me if I don’t go through the “process” as I simply don’t have the time. But so as not to diminish the thoughts of kind people who pass it on – I list all nominations in my Z-Awards Page > http://wp.me/P1YE83-Bx

Interesting. I could tell you all sorts of things about how I might or might not face death. There are times in my life when I have thought I was dying, each time a completely different experience. Truth is, since I have no particular religious or ideological prescription to conform my prediction to, I have no idea. It’s like trying to say how you might respond to any unknown experience. Maybe I’d find it fascinating. Maybe I’d cry and beg for one more hour. I’ll find out, I guess.

It never ceases to amaze me how the majority of religions, except perhaps one, and people obsess over immortality. Why would anyone want to live forever? Paradise, Heaven, as described by some religions sounds boring to me. It will not bother me one bit to become fertilizer for trees, flowers, nature. Perhaps if I had been born a slave or in other extremely difficult circumstances, I would want another chance. Perhaps some part of us does live on, but it will greatly surprise me.

Yes, as mentioned in one of my Fallen Grace episodes > http://wp.me/p1YE83-1cZ > one will see how bland heaven is – it is a joke what some religions promise. Compared to this, it would seem more worthwhile to fertilize flora.

You are right and I agree, Juliana, about “second chances” – if the dice did not quite roll up the way we expected or hoped for, the first time.

Very beautiful poem, gripping. Fear of unknown and loneliness, as that’s the one thing we have to face alone. Nature tries to prepare us but leaving dear ones behind though we are dispensable. Its hard to practice detachment.

This is one journey that we have to do it all alone and not a single person can tell us what he/she had ever experienced. Sometimes I feel we are like the “Reality Show” on TV for our creator to view and probably have a good laugh. But if we can amuse or frustrate our creator, why not. Having no control whatsoever of this ultimate destiny, I would just say : what will be, will be. So, let nature takes its course.

interesting Eric! your words & all others’ views are excellent!! your words make me put my point in a turn around manner, death when explained with life.this stretch of life…isnt it a meditation with senses striving to bloom each minute..finding harmony in struggles faced. life’s worth shines when comfort zone is torn each time, deliberated by selves. a desert traveller knows the real worth of a water droplet..he had died thousand deaths in his efforts, thoughts, emotions to quench his thirst..one more death of bodily shrivelling is just not an end to this diamond hard soul..which is ready for its journey once again. more than spiritual , the point here is everything’s a point, a dot , a circle, a cycle..of light & dark, of filled & vacuum , of the black hole & the white expanse. so what’s there to lose in a death, when its just a station & not destination..

a hard hitting thought Eric! Every soul shall have to severe the strong bonds before leaving..even if the work is done ..as our hands are not off untill we die… as we move forward , our past ,our work should remain a part of past and shouldn’t be carry forth , a string of attachment to ourselves,work,family,friends, fame everything holds us back to bid a smiling adieu… Remembering few lines …
The world was there without us and will be there without us,for HE knows how to take care of us and of everyone behind! shall make us more easier to leave!

death and it’s final sting…Eric, We can all be full of belief, but at that last breath, I bet everyone would want to hold on to what’s known, in exchange for the unknown… Deep down I think we all fear that final step … to think we will not set foot on the earth, feel the cheek of a loved one, kiss and be kissed,,, Oh I do hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel…. or I want a refund 😉 A thought provoking post… xPenx

Very well put for the emptiness one might feel by that time if that is a representation of all he/she lived, and lost. There is a favorite bible scripture of mine in the new testament that reads, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Jesus’s words). The poem says it all I think of one lost, and in that state.

That’s a different take on my post – “one lost and in that state”. I love these views as this is what I wanted to read – all the different views.
Cheers, Eric
P/s Yes, I’m aware of that New Testament quote.

I’m sorry if my post elicted such dark thoughts on a Monday, Madie – but I know where you’re coming from. I actually feel the same way – when it comes, it comes. Because, like you, I’m convinced I’m moving on to better things 🙂